Original subtitles

Subtitles by MBC

Gapi and Gupil, mobilize your men and take them to the defense garrison.

Subdue any remaining resistance.

Gupil, you go to the palace. Gapi, you go to the west line.

- Im Yon. - Sir.

You and Cha Songu head north and block the main crossings.

We'll be right behind you.

Yes, sir.

Move out!

We just got word that Gupil has deployed the garrison at the palace.

Gapi has blocked the road to the Overlord's residence.

But the problem is Choe Yangbaek and the guardsmen are protecting it.

They are no ordinary soldiers.

Their commanders have long been with us.

We will win.

Viscount Kim, be that as it may, think about this.

The Emperor's safety must be our first priority.

True. We cannot allow Choe to take the palace.

You're right.

Yu Kyong, Choe On, inform the palace what's happening.

Tell His Majesty that if we succeed...

we will disband the Guard Corps.

That's excellent news. Thank you for that.

- Let's go, Lord Yu. - Yes, let's.

Suppose we send men to talk with Choe Yangbaek?

Ask him to surrender.

He never will.

He believes in his guardsmen.

Most of the officers are fed up with the Overlord.

We've sent word to those that are with us.

First, we march on the residence.

He had his armor on. What's going on?

He didn't say?

He never talks about work.

But something is going on.

The men are on the move.

Stay on your guard!

- On your guard! - Sir!

We have blocked off all roads to the residence, as ordered.

The men not attached to the guards have joined up with Kim Jun.

They would.

Most of them serve Pak Songbi or Yi Kongju anyway.

How many men do we have?

We can't be sure, but we should assume anyone not in the guards is with them.

They're a bunch of rabble. Nothing compared to the guardsmen.

Many of our own men haven't reported in.

Send for them again.

Yes, sir.

Send for our reserves. Tell them it's urgent.

Sir!

What are Kim Jun's forces up to?

Im Yon is approaching from the north.

Gapi mustered the garrison to guard the western front.

Kim Jun?

He is headed this way with Pak Songbi and Yi Kongju.

And the palace?

They always obey the Overlord.

We sent word for them to oppose the rebels.

It's too late.

I didn't expect them to move so quickly.

It's all too fast.

We can't count on the reserves if Im Yon is approaching from the north.

Wonbal, go now.

Yes, sir.

The same with the western front. We can't count on the others.

Hoga, move out. Now.

Sir.

You stay here with me.

Yes, sir.

Sir, Gupil's forces have occupied the palace.

Worse, the lords working with the rebels, Yu and Choe, are meeting with the Emperor.

Lords Yu and Choe?

Yes, sir.

Kim Jun is aligning himself with the palace.

Meaning his men will be marching in the Emperor's name.

Viscount.

Viscount.

What's going on? There are troops everywhere.

There's a rebellion?

If Kim Jun leads a coup, what about us? Or the Overlord?

Relax.

My guardsman can handle anything Kim Jun throws at us.

You two go look after the Overlord.

The coup will be over soon enough.

All right. Let's go.

How can they come all the way here? With what troops?

Let's go.

Stay alert.

Sir.

What now? What do I do?

Daddy was scared of Kim Jun. If he comes here, what do I do?

Is anyone there? Anyone?

Overlord.

Lords, Kim Jun is coming? That scary Kim Jun?

Relax, Overlord. Choe Yangbaek has his men standing ready.

Calm down.

No, no, if Kim Jun is coming, it's a whole different story.

This is bad, really bad!

Well, I thought I smelled Wonbal.

Im Yon, you dare lead your men to betray the Overlord?

To put down traitors.

All you soldiers over there, hear me out. I am Im Yon.

The military has been mustered at the command of Kim Jun

Pak Songbi, and Yi Kongju.

Under the auspices of the Emperor.

Men of Koryo, join us.

Silence! Enough chatter.

Many of your commanders are with us.

Join us now!

My men are guardsmen.

They won't fall for your lies.

Yell yourself hoarse if you like.

Serve Koryo and your lives will be spared.

I won't say it again. Step forward.

You... what are you doing?

The Overlord lost popular support long ago.

It's true. Many of the guardsmen commanders are joining the coup.

I'll shut you both up.

You scoundrel!

The days of unquestioning obedience are over. The Overlord killed so many decent men.

How can you be loyal to him?

Silence!

Today is the day you die.

Fine, a duel, then.

I've been waiting for this.

What?

Kim Jun mustered the troops?

Yes.

He intends to restore power to the throne where it belongs.

Then it's a coup, an internal battle within the Guard Corps?

Quite so, Your Highness.

But Kim Jun is doing it to redress the wrongs of a corrupt military regime.

He swears if they win, the Corps will be disbanded.

But can his troops defeat Choe Yangbaek's guardsmen?

Try not to worry, Sire. Viscount Kim always acts with due deliberation.

He has planned this out.

Planned?

Yes, Sire. The Choe regime is finally collapsing after sixty long years.

Lord Choe, is it true? He said he will disband the Corps?

Absolutely. He was quite clear.

We were surprised, too.

Give him a sword.

You dare to pity me?

You all saw this. Lower your weapons. Now!

Make way!

Let's move out and join up with Gapi.

Wake up!

Hoga, I don't want this.

Lay down your arms. Things have changed.

That's enough! We'll stop your little coup. Count on it!

Take this!

Halt!

- Lower your weapons. - Lower your weapons!

Aren't you our commanders? What are you doing over on their side?

We've supported this coup for some time now.

Surrender. The battle is as good as over.

Never!

You men, kill the traitors!

Guardsmen, listen.

We were as one once.

But a vile despot threw the land into chaos and tore us apart.

We can start again.

Those who are with us, step forward!

You men, are you deaf?

Attack! Attack, or you'll answer to me!

Attack! Go on, attack!

Attack!

You're traitors, too?

Why you!

We chose the wrong path all this time.

It's time for a change.

Time for a change with Kim Jun!

Change! Change! Change!

Change! Change!

Yangbaek.

Lower your sword.

Most of your guardsmen have surrendered.

Don't sacrifice innocent lives.

It's over.

Nothing is over, Kim Jun.

Yangbaek, we're brothers.

Even now.

Lower your sword.

Lower your weapon, Yangbaek.

Brothers.

Remember what you taught me?

A retainer is loyal unto death.

You know how it came to this.

What did you teach me?

Even if his lord walks down a crooked path, a retainer is bound by duty to protect him.

Is plotting to kill the Overlord your idea of loyalty?

It's not too late.

We can live through this.

If I were concerned about staying alive

I wouldn't have agreed to command the guardsmen.

I chose death when you sent me to serve the Overlord.

Because I know what's right and wrong.

But a retainer must follow his path.

Hoga and Wonbal are dead?

I see. They weren't your enemies.

I won't sacrifice any more of my men.

Choe Yangbaek!

Give me a warrior's self-respect.

Thank you.

Kim Jun is here already?

Yes, Overlord. The guardsmen we sent to stop them have joined the rebels.

What's going on now?

Choe Yangbaek is fighting Kim Jun.

Should we flee? They'll kill us all.

Sir, Choe Yangbaek defeated Kim Jun in the arena.

He'll defeat him this time, too.

He certainly will.

How can he if the guardsmen have all joined the enemy?

What do I do now?

Sir!

Men! Kill them all!

Kill Kim Jun!

- Well? - Uga.

It's over. Lower your weapon.

Never!

You always ignored him, always worked against him.

Kim Jun was all you cared about.

Die!

Sir...

Yangbaek.

I remember the first time I saw you.

A country hick... nothing to look at.

Yangbaek.

I have a favor to ask of you.

Spare the Overlord.

He's innocent and doesn't know anything.

Please look after him.

Yangbaek, Yangbaek!

You idiot... You idiot!

I loved you... brother.

Yangbaek.

Yangbaek, Yangbaek!

Yangbaek! Yangbaek!

Yangbaek!

You idiot!

Yangbaek!

Yangbaek!

There, that way!

Lords! You can't leave me.

We'll go together.

Sir. At your service.

Traitors!

Spare us, spare us!

Spare us!

- Overlord! - Pak Songbi, you were my retainer.

Spare us, please. Please!

Enough!

It's Viscount Kim!

Viscount! Viscount Kim!

- Viscount, spare us. - Spare us!

Please spare us!

Viscount, Viscount, Viscount Kim.

Think of my father and my grandfather.

Spare me, please, please!

Well? They're traitors. Take them away.

Viscount, Viscount, spare me!

Spare me! Let go! No!

Spare me, please! Viscount!

Please spare us! Viscount!

Kill them and put their heads on pikes.

Sir.

Dawn of March 26th, 1258.

After four generations, the military regime founded by Choe Chungheon

was brought down by a slave of the House of Choe.

It had stood for over 63 years.

The old Guard Corps was disbanded, and power was restored to the monarchy.

But that was only for appearances.

Kim Jun continued the old military regime and, indeed, strengthened it.

You read it.

Yes, Sire.

Hear the words of your Emperor.

- Hear me. - Yes, Sire.

Long has our country been cursed by the cruelties of a vicious despot.

It has been said that dawn must follow the night.

Finally, the sun has burst forth to light our nation.

Our loyal subjects have saved us from darkness.

How can this aged emperor repay his loyal subjects?

You have the gratitude of this old Emperor.

You honor us, Sire.

Those who helped us must be rewarded

so their names will be honored for generations.

First, Yu Kyong is named Royal Minister.

And Viscount Kim, Grand General.

After Kim Jun disbanded the Guard Corps, Kojong promoted Yu Kyong.

Kim Jun, Pak Songbi, Yi Kongju, Im Yon, Pak Hisil, and Yi Yonso all were given titles.

Kim Jun was appointed grand general and head of military affairs

and chancellor of the second rank.

In essence, the prime minister.

Kojong felt the disbanding of the Corps was a new day for the throne.

So the two had different goals in mind.

Ah, a great day, indeed.

You risked your lives to save a nation.

We honor you all.

Hail to the Emperor!

Hail to the Emperor!

Hail Koryo!

Hail Koryo!

- Hail! - Hail!

- Hail! - Hail!

Every light has its shadow.

Just when things are finally looking up, bad news comes our way.

The Mongols have crossed the Yalu River again.

They passed the western capital and Kaegyeong

and reached the southern capital a few days ago.

They withdrew earlier in good faith that

we would send the Crown Prince to their court.

Surely this is because we failed to keep our word?

We must act to do so.

That's ridiculous.

That was just a promise we made in a rush.

We have a bigger problem than the Mongols right now.

The land north of the western capital is no longer Koryo's.

It's in the hands of rebels.

I've heard pretty much the same thing.

We need a strategy.

Strategy? We should just send some men and give the rebels a beating!

We're at war with the Mongols, so how dare they side with the enemy?

There is no room for collaborators. We should take strong measures!

We've put them through enough.

They've had to make do for thirty years of war.

That's why they turned to the Mongols. We can't attack them for that.

He's right. We can't afford another Mongol invasion.

We must act. We've been ravaged by war.

We can't beat the Mongols, that much is certain.

Sounds to me like you're ready to roll over and surrender to the Mongols right now.

Why did we bother fighting these last 30 years? Answer me that!

Well said. Why can't we beat them?

It's a question of commitment, of spirit.

We must fight.

We must.

Why are you staying silent?

You all make valid points.

But Koryo has always had only one strategy.

Peace in battle. Diplomacy and war.

What's bad for us is harder for them.

We'll send envoys.

But they'll demand the same terms.

The Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince has agreed to go to the Mongol court for the good of Koryo.

We should keep our word.

That would make him a hostage. It can't be allowed.

But we promised the Mongols we would send him.

We can't avoid it now.

It will mean war if he doesn't go.

Our domestic situation is terrible.

You risked your lives on a coup for nothing.

I agree.

We need to buy time.

Will you have a word with His Highness?

Of course.

We'll have to ask you to go again.

Yes, of course.

Where is Yu Kyong today?

He's attending the Emperor.

His Majesty is ill.

Oh no!

Well, he's not as young as he used to be.

How long has it been since I've come outside the palace?

I feel alive again.

Yes, Sire. We'll return to Kaegyeong soon.

I hope so.

We've been here for thirty years.

Kimpo - Mongol encampment

I don't understand you guys, I really don't.

We attack and you play good doggy. We leave and you renege on your promises.

We are deeply sorry for that.

But we've been dealing with a lot lately.

The old Choe regime has fallen and power has been restored to the throne.

It's difficult for the Crown Prince right now. We beg your patience.

All right. Fine then.

But since you didn't keep your promise last time

you must move both the capital and the Crown Prince to Kaegyeong.

Those two things are all we ask for you to show subservience.

Can you do that?

It would be difficult to do so immediately.

We've been gone from Kaegyeong too long. The palace there has deteriorated.

Please be patient.

Enough excuses!

Will the Crown Prince show up at court?

Of course. The chancellors have already discussed it and agreed on it.

Better make it fast.

And I'll confirm it's the crown prince myself.

You pulled a fast one last time with the duke of Yongnyong.

That's why we can't trust Koryo. Go and tell them that.

Certainly.

By the way, where's Hong Bokwon?

He's dead.

Dead? Hong Bokwon?

How did he die?

Curious, eh?

A traitor's death.

A traitor?

Listen here, Duke. You're just a Koryo hostage, watch your mouth.

You're from Koryo, too.

I turned my back on Koryo long ago.

If the Khan would let me, I'd rule all of Koryo right now.

What?

Even you would bow to me.

Great Khan, wait until you hear what the duke has to say!

Khan! Khan! Khan! Khan!

Hong Bokwon died the same year as Kim Jun's coup.

Hong and the Duke of Yongnyong were charged with the Koryo prisoners.

Their competition led to harsh words.

Seeing this, the duke's wife, a Mongol princess, told the Khan.

Hong was put to death as a traitor for insulting the royal family.

So ended the life of the worst traitor of the age.

That's life for you. Who'd have thought it?

Kim Jun is prime minister.

Well, well, and I'm still stuck in the kitchen.

Just my luck.

Now, now, look at you.

We have a guest, get busy.

How dare you talk to me like that!

Are you bragging that you're the boss now?

I would never. You've always been like an older sister to me.

Yeah?

You, there, get to work! We have a guest.

Yes, ma'am.

Listen, Kannan, what's the deal with this huge household?

There's 100 slaves at least.

He's the biggest man in Koryo. Like the Overlord used to be.

That's true.

Anyway...

Thanks, Kannan. You got me this job.

But that doesn't mean you can look down on me! I won't stand it!

Just get to work.

Let's see what we have here.

Thank you for this, your ladyship.

Take your time and enjoy.

Thank you. We'll have a drink and take all the time we need.

- I'll pour you a drink. - Thank you.

- You saw the Crown Prince? - Yes. He said he'll go.

Anything to end this war, he said.

I'm glad to hear it. Thank you.

As we discussed in the council meeting, the border situation is serious.

A command post has been built near Hwaju.

Yes, so I heard.

The Mongols are establishing outposts to control our lands.

There was a time you meant to run the Guard Corps.

But now you've restored power to the throne.

I'm curious as to what changed your mind?

I haven't changed my mind.

What is the use of keeping up a semblance of a corps?

That's what I thought too.

But know this.

The future of Koryo rests on your shoulders.

We need another plan for facing the Mongols.

If we must bow to them, let's do it wisely.

Spare our devastated country another war. Turn this to our benefit.

Go on.

Let's end the war against the Mongols for good.

Return to Kaegyeong.

That would mean giving up everything.

The second we leave Kanghwa, the world is theirs.

Ultimately we will lose our sovereignty.

The Mongols have conquered from East to West.

They won't bother with us. We're nothing but a tiny country to them.

You're wrong about that.

I know the Mongols better than anyone.

They never preserve a nation's imperial house.

We must continue on.

No one knows how this will end.

I repeat, we will not go to Kaegyeong.

Even if the Crown Prince does go to the Mongol court.

Is that clear?

Lord Kim.

You're going to the Mongol court?

Yes, Sire. We agreed to that some time ago.

It can no longer be avoided.

Just so, Sire. If he goes, the Mongols will withdraw again.

What choice do I have? They want you there and you mean to go.

But I don't know if I'll be alive when you get back.

No, you'll be back on your feet soon.

I doubt it.

How old are you now?

Twenty-four.

Oh, how time flies.

Anyway, be careful.

I've entrusted Lord Yu with something for your return.

Make sure you get it from him.

Entrusted him with what?

You'll find out.

Lord Yu and Lord Yi will be of help to you.

Yes, Sire.

I've been of no use to Koryo as an emperor.

Now your time has come.

End this terrible, relentless war.

Yes, Sire.

I will definitely usher in a new age.

I definitely will.

Your Highness, you have a long trip ahead.

Be careful.

Don't worry about me. Please look after the Emperor.

And help out my son.

Of course.

Be safe, Your Highness. The Imperial House is in good hands.

Your prince here is going voluntarily.

The Khan will treat him well, so don't worry.

Since the prince is coming, our troops will withdraw to the western capital and wait.

Shall we, prince?

Yes.

Please return safely.

Please return safely.

The Crown Prince left with the Mongols.

We didn't send him off. Is that OK?

That would be a disgrace.

The warriors of Koryo shouldn't grovel before them.

We'll face them again with swords in our hands.

Exactly. Well said.

Yet you agreed to let the Crown Prince go.

I don't think we should show them such outright hostility.

He's right. This might cause another split between the court and the military.

Corps or no corps, you still head Koryo's military.

When I came back and saw that all power was transferred to the throne

they seemed far too excited.

That's a bad sign.

It's true. People feared the Guard Corps.

But that's all changed with the court running things.

We shouldn't be divided over this.

The reason for the coup was to unite with the Imperial House to protect Koryo.

We need to work together to get our messages across.

Im Yon.

Yes, Father.

Go north with Cha Songu.

Those rebels, a number of them have joined the Mongols.

Look into it.

Test the mood of the people.

We can't lead this country if we can't win back her people.

Yes, Father.

I understand the Emperor doesn't have much time left.

So I heard. The succession is a problem.

The Crown Prince is gone. All that's left is the grandson.

The Crown Prince is too unpredictable.

I heard he kept volunteering to go to the Mongol court.

Not exactly an ideal candidate for the throne.

But his son has Corps blood in him.

The great-grandson of Overlord Choe.

Exactly. I miss the Overlord now more than ever.

The spirit of Koryo was truly alive then.

We've overcome one obstacle.

But because the Crown Prince has gone

the court may have thoughts of surrender.

We must prevent that every chance we get.

It's up to us.

How are you, Sire?

I guess my time has come. My mind is fading in and out.

Has my son left?

Yes, Sire. Mongol Marshal Jalairtai confirmed he's the Crown Prince and left with him.

The enemy has withdrawn to the western capital.

That's good at least.

Your son has gone in your place to the Mongol court.

It's no different from surrendering.

We granted their request.

What do you mean?

I mean we might as well agree to their terms and move the capital.

To Kaegyeong.

The military still holds sway.

These are rough times, Sire.

Kim Jun's coup restored power to the throne.

So they must follow the Emperor.

No, no, don't rush things.

It will only make them mad.

I know soldiers. They're impatient.

Kim Jun's no different.

He's the true ruler of Koryo.

Where on earth is this Mongol capital Karakorum?

Another month's ride through the desert.

This is sad. As if bowing to the Khan isn't enough, it has to take months to do it.

Your Highness!

We're going the wrong way.

What?

The Khan isn't in the court.

He's fighting the Song at the Liu-pan Mountains near the Yangtze River.

Liu-pan? How far is that from here?

Twenty days, give or take.

- That's where we'll go. - Yes, Your Highness.

There's no end to it.

We've been traveling for a month and it's all Mongol land as far as the eye can see.

Who do our warriors think they're kidding?

Koryo's Northern Border Territory - Welcome.

It's like another country.

Exactly.

The land north of the western capital really has joined the Mongols.

Most of them have surrendered to the Mongols.

Not to mention the troops that were murdered.

True.

General Yi's men to the north were murdered.

Kim Sujeh surrendered in Paekju, as did the magistrate in Ungjin.

That's not all. A while back our envoys to the Mongols were murdered by border rebels.

This is worse than we expected. Father doesn't know what's going on.

The people have changed. It's too late for them to turn back.

Let's keep looking.

Yes, sir.

Im Yon's reports keep coming in from the north.

They're not good.

The rebels?

Not just them. Officials and soldiers, too.

It appears they really have killed the commanding officers we've sent.

Marshal Jalairtai has 10,000 soldiers clearing land for a long-term occupation.

They mean to stay in the western capital.

It's politics. Things can change depending on the situation.

What do you mean?

When the Crown Prince returns, we should reconsider our Mongol strategy.

All while taking what we can and pretending to yield what we must.

Is that possible?

Times have changed now.

The people are jaded, bitter.

They're leaving.

You have to face reality.

Harsh concessions must be made.

We can't be so weak.

We've already initiated national reforms.

We must carry them out.

Reforms?

Yes. We must put an end to sloth and waste.

We must initiate reforms to unite the court and our people.

We must regain the spirit of Koryo that we've lost.

Sir? It's Gapi.

Sir, His Majesty has just passed away.

What?

I've already ordered the Ministry of War to muster the men.

Well done.

Prepare to escort the prince.

The Emperor's grandson?

We can't leave the throne empty for a second.

Yes, sir.

The prince? Look here, the throne belongs to the Crown Prince.

No son can sit in his father's throne. It's unheard of.

The throne cannot be left empty.

And in fact, he's a better choice than his father.

For Koryo.

Look here, what are you saying?

You mean to change the succession?

You said to face reality. He's the best choice.

We need a strong emperor, not a weak one.

Kim Jun, how can a subject choose the emperor?

An emperor exists for his country.

Don't you agree?

Subtitles by MBC

We're going to reclaim our lands from the Mongols.

That means preparing for another war!

We must not provoke them!

We can fight them, and we can win!

We need to support the Imperial House to keep Koryo's soldiers at bay.

There will be no more war in this country.

This is very serious.

Kill everyone in the court.

Your Highness must take control of this situation.

This is an imperial order!